UK gambling addiction helpline record 52K calls in 2023, up 25%, while UK youth charity Ygam marks 10 years educating kids on risks. (Photo by Edge2Edge Media on Unsplash)
The big news is that a record number of folks reached out for help with gambling problems in the UK last year.
Over 50,000 calls and chats came into the National Gambling Helpline in 2023. Crazy to think it’s up almost 25% from the year before! August was the busiest month, but the holidays are also really tough for people struggling with addiction.
This matches up with more Brits than ever signing up to block themselves from online gambling sites. The helpline director said they usually only see small increases each year. But something was different in 2023.
Way more people are getting in touch earlier on, before things get really bad. That makes it easier to help. As she put it: “We encourage anyone to contact us when they’re ready to talk.”
There’s also some good news. The charity Ygam just turned 10 years old. In that time they’ve trained tons of professionals on how to teach kids about the risks of gambling addiction. Their programs have already reached over 3 million young people! Big names in government congratulated Ygam for all the vital work they’ve done to keep youth protected. The numbers show more people across the UK are facing gambling harm. But they also show more people getting the support they need. Experts say taking that first step towards help can lead to healthier habits. So if you or someone you care about is struggling, reach out. There are folks ready to listen.
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UK Gambling Addiction Helpline Got Over 50,000 Calls Last Year
More people than ever are reaching out for help with gambling problems in the UK. The National Gambling Helpline received a record 52,370 calls and online chats in 2023. That’s almost a quarter more than the year before. August was the busiest month for calls. The holidays are also hard for folks struggling with gambling addiction. This past December, the helpline got 39% more contacts than the previous Christmas season.
The news falls in line with GAMSTOP’s latest announcement – GAMSTOP Record Sign-Ups, in which the not-for-profit organization reported that 93,000 people signed up for the service to block themselves from online gambling.
The helpline’s director, Samantha Turnton, says they usually only see small increases each year. But 2023 was different. Many more people are getting in touch at earlier stages. This makes it easier to help before things get really bad. “We encourage anyone to contact us if they feel ready to talk, no matter where they’re at,” Turnton said. “That first call is an invaluable step.”
GambleAware is the main charity funding gambling addiction services. Its leader, Anna Hargrave, also reacted positively to the numbers. She believes it shows the UK’s new National Gambling Support Network is working. More at-risk individuals are getting directed to prevention and early help. The takeaway is that dozens of thousands of Brits made a brave call or chat last year. They took the first big step toward healthier gambling habits and lives. There’s still lots more work to do. But the record contacts give hope that public awareness and support systems are making a real difference.
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Charity Ygam Turns 10 Years Old; Worked Hard to Help Kids Avoid Gambling Problems
The UK charity Ygam is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. The charity has a major influence on safer gambling practices in the online gambling entertainment industry. The charity was also mentioned in our Global Regulatory Awards 2022 Shortlists news as a sponsor for the event.
Over the past decade, they’ve trained tons of professionals on how to make youths aware of the dangers of gambling addiction. So far, their educational programs have reached over 3 million young people across the UK. To mark the occasion, Ygam has big plans to hold special events, launch campaigns, and make announcements throughout 2024. Folks from all over have been congratulating them for the important work they’ve done to prevent kids from developing gambling problems.
The government’s gambling minister Stuart Andrew praised Ygam’s “decade of achievements” and said he hopes to keep working with them to protect vulnerable young people. The recent Gambling Act put this as a top priority. Labour MP Stephanie Peacock also thanked Ygam for being “proactive” and committed to join forces with them going forward to address this youth issue.
Fellow MP Dame Rosie Winterton called Ygam a true ray of hope in tackling addiction head-on through their fantastic programs and teaching materials. She said they’ve without a doubt bettered many young lives. A number of charity groups agreed that what Ygam has done over the past 10 years is vital. They said we need to make kids aware of gambling risks early on before things get out of hand. With many more plans ahead, Ygam looks to have another decade of leading the way in educating teens on safer gambling and kicking bad habits. Their tireless efforts offer real change in keeping young people protected.
Read more from YGAM: The charity posted its celebratory blog Ygam celebrates 10th anniversary in mid-January this year.
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